Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI): An Explosive United States Epidemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• The rise in e-cigarette and vaping product use has become a significant public health concern.
• Understanding the health consequences associated with these products is critical.

Observation:

• As of November 5, 2019, the US reported 2051 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).
• This resulted in 39 reported deaths over a four-month period.
• The epidemic of vaping-associated illness was predominantly observed in the United States.

Findings:

• E-cigarette and vaping product use has been directly linked to a severe lung injury outbreak.
• The incidence and mortality rates highlight a serious, rapidly evolving health crisis.

Implications:

• Urgent public health interventions are needed to address the EVALI epidemic.
• Further research is required to identify specific causative agents and long-term effects.
• International collaboration may be necessary to understand the global scope of vaping-related health risks.